FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:          RSES

Phone:             800-297-5660

Email:              general@rses.org

Online:             www.rses.org

RSES Joins Nine Organizations on COVID Vaccine Consideration Letter for

HVACR/Plumbing Industry Workers

Rolling Meadows, Ill. (Dec. 7, 2020) – RSES has joined nine other HVACR/Plumbing industry organizations in signing a letter addressed to the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) requesting that the needs of our industry’s hard working professionals be considered for the next batch of limited vaccine supplies.

The ACIP accepted public comments on the topic through Dec. 3, at which time 173 comment letters had already been received. The letter submitted on behalf of our industry applauded the recommendation that healthcare professionals, long-term care facilities, and the most vulnerable seniors be given priority access to vaccines during its Phase 1A distribution. It also requested that the Phase 1B distribution of the limited vaccine supplies be considered for distribution to critical infrastructure workers in other sectors of the economy as identified by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which includes HVACR technicians, plumbing and utility service professionals, and heating fuel delivery.

The letter further states that “these professionals must enter a customer’s home or business to service, repair, or replace plumbing, heating or ventilation systems, refrigeration units, or related appliances and equipment. They may also be required to interact with homeowners, tenants, or their family members. Some of these residents may be members of vulnerable populations. These workers always wear personal protective equipment and strictly abide by CDC guidelines to protect themselves and their customers. Unfortunately, there is always a risk of exposure, especially in smaller residential units. We ask that these factors be considered as you advise the CDC on next steps in the national vaccine plan and, specifically, how access will be prioritized to critical workers in Phase 1B.”

In addition to RSES, other associations represented in the letter are: Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA); American Public Gas Association (APGA); Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA); National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA); National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals (OESP); National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI); Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association (PHCC) Women in Energy; and Women in HVACR.

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RSES is the world's leading education, training and certification association for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration professionals. RSES credentials include its Active Specialized Member, Certificate Member and Certificate Member Specialist categories, as well as one of the largest EPA Section 608 certification programs in the industry. Founded in 1933, RSES is a non-profit organization with chapters in the U.S. and Canada, as well as affiliate organizations worldwide. For more information on RSES or to become a Member, call 800-297-5660 or 847-297-6464, or visit our website at www.rses.org. RSES, 1911 Rohlwing Road, Suite A, Rolling Meadows, IL  60008-1397.